Hair Ideas: How to Wear a Fascinator (Without Looking Stupid)

Between last spring's royal wedding and this summer's Diamond Jubilee (not to mention the upcoming London Olympics), Anglomania has hit in a major way. Case in point: I've had three friends tell me they wanted to wear fascinators for upcoming weddings. These small headpieces made with feathers, flowers, jewels, or beads attach to the head with a barrette, comb, or headband. They are usually worn off to the side or at the front of the head, and they can easily look ridiculous. "How do I wear one of these things?" one friend asked me this weekend. Intrepid reporter that I am, I went right to work. (You're welcome.)

• Go traditional. Simple, classic shapes like mini pillboxes or brimmed hats aren't too distracting—it's when the shapes get oversize or kooky that you begin to look more like a museum piece than a wedding guest.

• Bring down the bling. A few rhinestones are nice, but avoid lots of glitz and be wary of feathers—a couple of long, looped plumes are pretty and have a vintage feel, but anything more looks like a stage costume.

• Pick a side. "A fascinator should always be worn off to the side," says Burris. "Lately it has become a trend to wear them in the front of your head, but that's a bit harder to pull off and is probably best for seasoned hat wearers."

• Balance proportions. "If your hair is sleek, wear a smaller fascinator," says hairstylist Teddi Cranford of Sally Hershberger Downtown salon in New York City. "If your hair is up and loose, a medium-sized fascinator would work, and if your hair is down, the bigger the better."

• Ditch the elastic. "If there is an elastic strap, never, ever, ever wear it underneath your chin. This is a huge faux pas," warns Burris. "Wear the strap behind your ears, at the nape of the neck, and pin it in place. Otherwise, you'll look like you're wearing a birthday hat."